BMW 3 Series
Since the inception of the very first generation 3 Series (known by its internal designation, the E21, by aficionados) in 1975, BMW has worked industriously to build a blend of prestige and technological mastery into this formerly modest market sector. Before car companies fractured the marketplace into a myriad offshoots and spin-offs, the 3 Series sat squarely at the base of a simple hierarchy: a small saloon with the brand values of its larger, more expensive brethren.
The market for mid-size prestige has grown inexorably in the past quarter century, and while BMW itself now builds far smaller cars, the 3 Series remains the company's financial backbone, accounting for 40% of worldwide sales. When the current model was launched, it was instantly acclaimed. As a result, this mid-life overhaul doesn't exactly scream radical change. Nonetheless, with the likes of Audi and Mercedes champing at the company's heels, vying for victory in this profitable sector, BMW have opted to invest heavily in new engineering to keep them ahead of the ever-encroaching opposition.
Subtle differences and sophisticated alterations are evident on closer inspection across the range. Although the Coupe and Convertible (the later of which features a rapidly retractable hardtop, the first time the company has used this technology) have mild styling updates to heighten their sporting appeal, the most significant new developments are under the skin.
Mindful of the looming new targets for cutting emissions, BMW has poured expertise into ways of making this model as energy efficient as possible, a task that culminates in the remarkable new 320d Efficient Dynamic Saloon. While not exactly a high-end model, the 320d produces Smart-car levels of emissions, with fuel economy that trounces practically every hybrid on the market. While the company has made high-profile forays into hydrogen-power and builds hybrid variants of its more sizeable cars, the esteemed folk at the 3 Series' Zaha Hadid-designed Leipzig factory have decided to focus on refining the diesel combustion engine. As a result, the 320d smugly boasts an astonishing combined mpg of 68.9, while still kicking out 163bhp and reaching 62mph in 8 seconds. Twelve months ago, such figures would have raised cries of disbelief - perhaps even suggestions of witchcraft.
The current 3 Series range is broad in ability, if rather mixed in message. The 320d is paired with the mighty M3, still one of the best performance cars on the market. But as the car market becomes ever more littered with brands, spin-offs, sub-divisions and new innovation (including BMW's own forthcoming Megacity concepts), the 3 Series represents the apex of traditional car-making, relatively conservative in form, technologically advanced, but never in your face. For all the high-profile bluster afforded to both sport- and eco-supercars, the ongoing success of this Bavarian mainstay shows that the conventional car still has a lot to offer. Provided, that is, the detail design is up to scratch.
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
-
This new lakeside house in Chile is a tour de force of contemporary timber construction
Cazú Zegers’ lakeside house Casa Pyr is inspired by the geometry of fire and flames, and nestles into its rocky site
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Kimy Gringoire’s ‘BigLoveCables’: heart-shaped seating and lighting, inspired by her jewellery designs
Kimy Gringoire’s ‘BigLoveCables’ exhibition in MASA’s Project Room, Mexico City, introduces lighting and seating inspired by a core symbol in her jewellery: the heart
By Siska Lyssens Published
-
Kia fields a pair of all-electric camping concepts, the PV5 WKNDR and EV9 ADVNTR
The 2024 SEMA show saw two new concept designs from Kia, exploring the art and function of the all-electric camping machine
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
New BMW i5 Touring is an all-electric tech powerhouse that brings the noise
BMW has thrown its considerable expertise into making the i5 eDrive40 M Sport Pro Touring the ultimate zero-emission all-rounder. Jonathan Bell tries it out
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
BMW’s limited-edition Skytop roadster draws on the past. Could it also predict the future?
Just 50 examples of the BMW Skytop are being built, and they’ve all been spoken for. We examine whether this classically styled machine is a harbinger of aesthetic change
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
The 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed hosted a wealth of auto innovation, from hypercars to hot hatches
The best new SUVs, EVs, hatchbacks and supercars to emerge from the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
The Concept Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed and BMW Concept Skytop offer drop-top dreams
BMW and Mercedes-AMG open up with two new convertible concepts, one pitched at performance, the other at the spirit of the good life
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
BMW launches its latest supermodel, the BMW XM Mystique Allure
The haute couture-inspired BMW XM Mystique Allure, dedicated to Naomi Campbell and with a soundtrack by composer Hans Zimmer, makes its debut at Cannes International Film Festival 2024
By Simon Mills Published
-
BMW Vision Neue Klasse X reveals the shape of tomorrow’s electric SUV
New concept the BMW Vision Neue Klasse X previews the next-generation ‘X’ models
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA brings Esther Mahlangu’s art to life at Frieze LA
BMW’s Art Car Project has rarely impacted on the company’s everyday business of building cars. With the BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA, could all that be about to change?
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Electric BMW CE 02 is an eParkourer for the urban jungle
The BMW CE 02 – BMW Motorrad’s second all-electric scooter –is aimed squarely at the urban rider, offering style and power in a bold new package
By George Chapman Published